Eastbourne celebrant delivering personalised weddings, funerals, vow renewals and naming ceremonies.
Independent celebrant in Eastbourne, East Sussex
Hello, I’m Sonia Woodroffe, your celebrant
Based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, I create warm, personalised ceremonies that reflect people’s stories, values and relationships. I work with couples and families to craft memorable and personal weddings, naming ceremonies, celebrations of life and funerals that are honest, inclusive and unique.
My story
My professional life began in 1981, when I trained as a Registered General Nurse at Charing Cross Hospital. Nursing gave me a deep appreciation for compassion, dignity and the importance of truly listening, qualities that continue to guide my work as a celebrant today.
After marrying and starting a family, I moved into property sales, followed by mentoring and training roles. Each chapter of my working life has strengthened my understanding of people, communication and life’s defining moments.
This varied and people-centred path naturally led my true vocation: working as a civil celebrant and supporting individuals and families as they mark life’s most meaningful occasions.
My approach
I believe ceremonies matter. They mark life’s most important moments of love, welcome and remembrance. Therefore, they deserve time, care and thoughtful attention.
As a celebrant, my role is to listen first. I take time to get to know you, your story and what matters most to you, then carefully shape a ceremony that reflects your wishes in your own voice. Whether the tone is joyful, reflective, relaxed or deeply emotional, every ceremony is written from scratch and delivered with warmth and respect. No two people are the same, and no ceremony should be either.
How I became a celebrant
My journey into celebrancy began with a simple realisation, the most powerful ceremonies are the personal ones. I became deeply drawn to the way a well told story can bring comfort, spark laughter, honour a life and unite a room full of people.
Becoming a celebrant allowed me to combine my love of connection, creativity and words, and to support people during some of the most significant moments of their lives.
My approach as a celebrant
I take time to truly get to know you.
Whether it’s the excitement of planning a wedding ceremony, the joy of welcoming a child through a naming or welcoming ceremony, or the tenderness of saying goodbye at a funeral or memorial, I offer a calm, supportive presence and a safe space to share your ideas.
Every ceremony I create is:
- Completely personalised: shaped around your values, story and wishes
- Inclusive and flexible (for example, non-religious, spiritual, traditional or modern)
- Created with care and delivered with empathy
Ceremonies I create
I work with individuals, couples and families to create a wide range of ceremonies, including:
- Wedding ceremonies and commitment ceremonies
- Vow renewals and elopements
- Naming ceremonies and family celebrations
- Funerals, memorials and celebrations of life
Each ceremony is written collaboratively, ensuring it feels right for you.
What you can expect
- A friendly, no-pressure first conversation
- Time and space to share your story
- A completely bespoke ceremony script
- Gentle guidance and reassurance throughout
- A calm, confident presence on the day
My aim is always support you and make sure you are heard and at ease from our first chat through to the ceremony itself.
Let’s create something meaningful
If you’re looking for a celebrant in East Sussex who is warm, thoughtful and genuinely invested in your story, I would love to connect with you. Whether you have a clear vision or are beginning with just a feeling, I’m here to guide you gently through every step.
My celebrant credentials
I am fully qualified with an NOCN diploma in Celebrancy and ICPC residential training course, you can find me on Hitched
